San Miguel Writers' Fest Draws Record 1,750 Attendees

The San Miguel Writers' Conference and Literary Festival just closed the books on its biggest year in two decades, welcoming a record 1,750 participants to the Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. The week-long celebration of storytelling drew people from 15 countries, with two-thirds attending for the very first time.

The 21st annual event featured literary superstars like Margaret Atwood, author of "The Handmaid's Tale," and Abraham Verghese, whose books "Cutting for Stone" and "The Covenant of Water" have captivated millions. Other headliners included R.F. Kuang, author of "Yellowface," and illustrator Maira Kalman, who recently collaborated with musician David Byrne.

But the real magic happened in the conversations. Conference founder Susan Page organized the event around the theme "Our Stories, Doors to the World," and speakers took that mission seriously.

Verghese shared how a book changed his life path. "My calling to medicine came to me from a book," he told the audience, recalling how he discovered Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" as a child.

Writer R.F. Kuang celebrated the power of being different. "I realized outsiders have a lot of power," she said, reflecting on growing up feeling like she didn't fit in. "I think I'll keep writing about those on the margins."

Argentine author Andrés Neuman got right to the heart of why people write. "I actually write so I'm not a zombie," he explained. "When we write or read, it's when we are actually alive and we realize that we are here."

The Ripple Effect

This year's conference expanded its Spanish-language program, creating more opportunities for Mexican students through scholarships and special events. Lizeth Galván Cortés, Guanajuato's secretary of culture, called the conference "an event that shines" and credited it with strengthening the region's literary community.

The festival also brought practical encouragement to aspiring writers. Author Leslie Zemeckis had straightforward advice about the challenging publishing industry: "You just can't let other people say no. You can self-publish, you can get in a magazine. So don't ever give up."

After 21 years, this festival proves that people are hungry for connection through stories, and that appetite is only growing.